EuroBasket is one of the toughest international competitions. With six of the top 10 rated basketball countries competing in it, there is no shortage of talent. The interesting thing about EuroBasket is that often, role players in the NBA shine and show off their potential. For example, Luis Scola has been one of the best FIBA performers at the Olympics and the World Cup for years. With that in mind, we take a look at some NBA role players who might have a bigger role. NBA fans should definitely pay attention to the EuroBasket.
Seven Role Players NBA Fans Should Watch at EuroBasket 2025
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic might be the key to Serbia winning the EuroBasket. Yes, they do have Nikola Jokic, but for the past several years, it was Bogdanovic who was the best player on Serbia. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he and Jokic formed a deadly duo.
Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, Bogdan will be a veteran off the bench. His strengths are strong three-point shooting and high-level basketball IQ. Bogdanovic can be a nightmare for opponents, and this will be his chance to show the Clippers should give him more minutes.
Santi Aldama
Santi Aldama made his international debut at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Since then, he has become one of the primary weapons for Spain. He is a great inside and outside weapon, and will lead a Spanish team that will try to defend the EuroBasket title.
Playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Aldama got a contract extension this summer. His performance at the EuroBasket might signal a bigger role for the Grizzlies. Young and versatile forwards are hard to find, and the Grizzlies have him locked in.
Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele will look to build on his strong Paris Olympics performance, and a great comeback year in the NBA. Last season, Yabusele seized the opportunity with injuries plaguing the Philadelphia 76ers. At the Paris Olympics, he was a backup. But with France missing some key guys due to injuries, Yabusele might start.
This summer, he signed as a free agent with the New York Knicks. Fans in the Big Apple love gritty guys, and Yabusele is exactly that. The athletic forward is having a great NBA second career, and that might continue this summer.
Nikola Jovic
When your NBA coach flies all over the Atlantic to come and see you, it is a big thing. Nikola Jovic has improved each season playing for the Miami Heat. But he is no longer a young prospect. Now in his fourth season, Jovic might be able to take on more responsibility. He will be another of Serbia’s main weapons as they look to claim the title.
Neemias Queta
Portugal has made it to the EuroBasket for the first time since 2011. Neemias Queta hasn’t played a lot since entering the NBA. But on the international stage, he is Portugal’s best player. During the pre-qualifiers for the EuroBasket, he averaged 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.
With the Boston Celtics losing all of their big men, Queta might be asked to carry a bigger load. His play at the EuroBasket will show the Celtics whether they can count on him to take maybe a starting job, or not.
Adem Bona
Adem Bona might be the best blocker in EuroBasket. Recently, in a friendly game against Germany, he had five blocks, each one more impressive than the other. With Yabusele leaving the Sixers, Bona might be able to slide in and get a bigger chunk of the minutes. His defensive play will be a huge factor for Turkey in the EuroBasket. And then, in what will be his second NBA season, he will have a chance to show his athletic ability.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5WOgwdaaiA?feature=oembed&w=640&h=360]
Tristan da Silva
The Orlando Magic have several players competing at the EuroBasket. But they already know Franz Wagner is a star. The question is, what can they expect from Tristan da Silva? In his first season, he showed versatile offensive skills, with slightly below average three-point shooting.
Playing for the German national team, Silva will have more responsibilities and will be able to show that he deserves more playing time in Orlando.
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